By Bereket Sisay Ethiopia has been an ardent supporter of the African cause and champion of Pan-Africanism since colonial times. That's why Ethiopia reached out to freedom fighters like the late South African President Nelson Mandela (Madiba) and the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in their fight against apartheid and Rhodesia respectively. Ethiopia has also been a rallying point for many African nations to gain freedom from their colonial masters and then join them under the great banner of brotherhood. Ethiopia is also a country known for contributing to the global common good, especially in the area of collective security. Ethiopia's participation in the UN authorized peace mission could also be counted as part of its unwavering stance on global common affairs and its conviction to the principle of non-indifference to the plight of its African sisters and brothers. All these are the nascent founding principle of the incumbent foreign policy and services in its entirety. In keeping with such a grand approach, Ethiopia has given prime attention to its relations with its neighbors and the region where it is located. Accordingly, Ethiopia has always been at the forefront of the regional agenda of integration and stability. It’s quite for sometimes, since Ethiopia embarked upon practicing the full-fledged integration agenda. Ethiopia has been exporting power to its neighbors, mainly Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya, to forge interconnectivity and help address critical development challenges. Ethiopia will soon begin exporting power to Tanzania, while even after the completion of the GERD, Ethiopia has sought to export large volumes of electricity to neighboring countries for mutual growth. Ethiopia has also constructed railways linking Addis Ababa to Djibouti to facilitate trade and people-to-people contacts. The road links between Ethiopia and Kenya and the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Sudan to build a highway are also a step towards regional integration. Another project that will enable the movement of people and goods and boost regional trade and economic development is the LAPSSET corridor highways linking Lamu Port to Ethiopia and South Sudan. In addition, Ethiopia was among the first countries to sign and ratify the AfCFTA and has since worked tirelessly for its full implementation. The IGAD flagship project of regional integration and peace in the region has always been Ethiopia's top agenda. In line with its zeal to prosper with its neighbors, Ethiopia has reached an agreement with Somaliland to diversify its port access, which will benefit both as a critical look at its economies of scale makes clear. Somalia’s Blunder, a messy move Ethiopia and Somalia have a glamorous, strong people-to-people bond. Looking at their political history, perhaps the saying "one people in two countries" could best characterize the historical relationship of the two countries, if not exaggerated. They share a similar culture, language and over a thousand kilometers of border that binds the two peoples together. Ethiopia has successfully defended the interests of the Somali people against terrorist insurgents , who could otherwise severely affect Somalia. That's why Ethiopia has so far made such a scarification and its tangible contribution has been bolder than the untrue accusations and defamations that dominate the air these days. It is for this serious reason that the people of Somalia have great respect for Ethiopia. The real picture of Ethiopia lies behind the question: would Somalia have such a security situation if Ethiopia had not been there during its difficult times? And the answer is simply no! It wouldn't have. To rub salt in the wounds, Somalia's decision to accept a third party that goes against the interest of Ethiopia's national interest is simply Somalia's big strategic fall that goes against the stability of the Horn as a whole. As the move has huge implications, Ethiopia has been dismayed and expressed its concern that it can't be an idle while the region is sleepwalking towards unintended security perils that endanger its or the entire region. What else for the region if not stand in unison? Ethiopia and Somalia, as good and friendly neighbors couldn't survive separately because their destinies are tied together by various factors. That is why Ethiopian soldiers have been sacrificing their lives for the preservation of Somalia. Moreover, Ethiopia has a greater stake in the region because of its huge population and economy, and because it is a pioneer in consolidating stability while trying to integrate the region through development. Therefore, any move that deprives Ethiopia of its rightful geopolitical position is normatively wrong and won't be a solution for the current Horn of Africa. Therefore, addressing its security concerns and allowing it to address its economic challenges is of great value for the prosperity of the region. Ethiopia's attempt to ride together could not be different from the European style of development after the Second World War. The regional bloc, the EU, took its first steps to promote economic cooperation and integration, and now these efforts have paid off - they have reached this level of economic prosperity. Accordingly, the approach of Ethiopia as well as any other country towards integration aspirations is no different. More importantly, Ethiopia has repeatedly expressed its readiness to resolve the current diplomatic row with Somalia through peaceful means and Somalia should salvage such dividend and find an amicable mutually beneficial solutions. On the other hand, many have been expressing concern regarding the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following the drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). In the recent past, Ethiopia has successfully thwarted al-Shabaab, an Islamist insurgent group with direct links to al-Qaeda, which poses a serious threat to peace in Somalia and has occasionally made incursions into the hinterland of neighboring states, including Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia has been successful in thwarting the terrorist threat from al-Shabaab and has gained international recognition for this. This force should be dismantled through concerted efforts, especially through experienced tactics. Understanding the geographical and other factors that provide fertile ground for al-Shabaab to flourish is a critical component of such a mission. In this case, Ethiopia has a huge capital and it's incumbent on Somalia and other concerned parties to use it and move in the right direction to pacify the region. Moreover, for the Horn of Africa, unity may be the only option left in the pursuit of common progress. In the age of interdependence, a unilateral approach is a more futile path and it's actually a dead end. Thus, as the saying goes, unity is strength, and empowered by such a model, the countries of the region should choose to use their abundant natural and material wealth as a catalyst for prosperity.

By A Staff Writer In the turbulent region of the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has been a driving force for peace, stability and prosperity. Its quest for peace and stability is a strategic imperative beyond its borders as well – the very foundation underpinning its socio-economic and political aspirations. In its entire history, Ethiopia's leaders have never failed to understand with clarity the circumstances of past conflicts and their implications to the national interests of their nation as well as to the stability and development of neighboring countries. Borders that were created once are artificial and the do not hinder their interdependence with Ethiopia. It is imperative that states in the region must swim together to survive the turbulence and unlock their potentials for mutual economic development. The country has pursued for shared growth and prosperity, fostering interdependence, sustainable peace in the region to achieve their common destinies for the entire Horn of Africa. To this effect, Ethiopia's foreign policy has given the highest priority to the relations with the neighboring countries, centering on understanding the critical importance of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia. Ethiopia's unreserved Sacrifice for Somalia Since 2005, Ethiopia has played a pivotal role in Somalia's path achieve stable statehood, peace and stability. It has also been an indispensable partner to Somalia in the fight against international terrorism, state-building efforts and fostering regional cooperation. Ethiopia's defense force has made the ultimate sacrifice in Somalia to restore its fragile peace and stability, enabling the country's leadership to establish a government structure after decades of civil war. Ethiopia's contribution to peacekeeping missions in Somalia has been essential not only for Somalia but also for regional stability in the Horn of Africa. As a founding member and key troop contributor to both the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ethiopia has been at the forefront of the fight against al-Shabaab and other extremist groups. For nearly two decades, Ethiopian troops have partnered with Somali forces to liberate towns and cities from the grip of terrorists, making the final sacrifices to stabilize the country. So, the sacrifice of Ethiopian soldiers to the cause of peace in Somalia has been immense. Reflecting on Ethiopia's vital role in Somalia, Ethiopia's Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, recently emphasized the depth of Ethiopia's commitment: "The people of the Horn of Africa, united by strong friendships and community ties, are no longer bound by past hostilities. Ethiopia has made significant sacrifices for the stability of Somalia, and it is inappropriate to undermine the sacrifices made by our troops." The country's contribution to Somalia's security extends beyond battlefield operations. Ethiopian intelligence, military training, and joint operations have been critical in bolstering the ability of Somalia to combat the threat of extremism. This support has helped Somalia to lay the foundation for the government. However, reports coming out suggest that Somalia is inviting outside powers that are pursuing for just solitary geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa and potentially replace Ethiopia's peacekeeping role in Somalia. This unjustifiable move, driven by narrow geopolitical calculations, stands to jeopardize the well earned stability for which Ethiopia has sacrificed so much. For years, Ethiopia has been a steadfast ally, contributing militarily, diplomatically, and economically to Somalia's fragile stability. Ethiopian forces were critical in curbing the power of terrorist groups, and Ethiopian diplomats used their influence to garner international goodwill and aid for Somalia's reconstruction. Ethiopian expertise in counterinsurgency and capacity building helped Somali forces take over more responsibility to maintain security. Furthermore, Ethiopia's diplomatic advocacy has been instrumental in mobilizing international support for Somalia's debt relief and reconstruction efforts. Ethiopia has trained civil technocrats, engineers and civil servants for key positions in Somalia’s government structure while higher learning institutions in the country provided scholarships for Somali students to pursue their studies in Ethiopia in the spirit of pan Africansim and for mutual development cooperation. Moreover, Ethiopia's involvement in peacekeeping missions in Somalia has gone beyond just military support. The country has provided crucial capacity-building assistance, helping to train and equip Somali security forces to take the lead in maintaining stability. This transfer of knowledge and skills has been a vital component of Somalia's efforts to develop its own self-sustaining security apparatus. As Foreign Minister Taye remarked, "Ethiopia values the shared history and traditions with neighboring communities, noting that past hostilities should no longer hinder cooperation. Efforts to create divisions between communities are futile, and we must continue to build on the progress we've made together." Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie has addressed these concerns directly, warning against the dangerous consequences of such rhetoric: "Collusion with forces hostile to peace in this region is short-sighted and counterproductive. Ethiopia remains vigilant in monitoring developments that could threaten our national security. The well-being and prosperity of our country are closely tied to the peace and development of our neighbors." Ethiopia's Vision for Regional Prosperity Ethiopia's role in Somalia is not limited to military and security support. As Africa's fifth-largest economy and a rising member of the BRICS alliance, Ethiopia has a bold vision for regional economic integration. Ethiopia's recent port deal with Somaliland, aimed at facilitating trade through the Red Sea, is part of a broader strategy to foster economic cooperation across the Horn of Africa. This agreement is purely economic, aimed at benefiting Ethiopia, Somalia and other states of the region by creating new trade routes, economic corridors and opportunities for growth. By enhancing regional trade and infrastructure, Ethiopia is paving the way for economic prosperity that will benefit the entire region. "We believe that the well-being and prosperity of our country are closely tied with the peace and development of our neighbors," Foreign Minister Taye remarked. 'The country's growing economic influence can be a force for good, lifting its neighbors, including Somalia, towards a brighter future. Lurking Dangers The dangers of allowing outside powers to replace Ethiopia's role in peacekeeping missions are manifold. These external actors, motivated by their own strategic interests rather than a deep understanding of the region's complex dynamics, are ill-equipped to navigate the delicate balance of power and community ties that have been painstakingly forged over the past two decades. Their involvement risks reigniting old rivalries, undermining regional cooperation, and creating new fault lines that could destabilize the Horn of Africa once more. The current trajectory of Somali leadership risks undoing the hard-won gains achieved through Ethiopian support. Turning Somalia into a battleground for anti-Ethiopian forces would only serve to destabilize the region further and lead to ultimate balkanization of the country. Ethiopia has repeatedly emphasized that peace in the Horn of Africa depends on cooperation and dialogue, not conflict and division and sabre-rattling. "Ethiopia cannot remain indifferent when the peace and harmony of our neighborhood becomes a playground for terrorists and anti-peace elements," Foreign Minister Taye underscored. The Somali leadership must recognize that Ethiopia's support is not an obstacle to Somalia's sovereignty, but a pillar of its stability. The Path Forward By working together, Ethiopia and Somalia can ensure that the region reclaims lost opportunities for shared growth and prosperity. Both countries are endowed with enough resources that can help them extricate from abject poverty for mutual growth and development. In conclusion, Ethiopia's sacrifice, support, and vision have forged Somalia's journey to restore peace. The international community and regional partners must take note of the message that it is coalition and not collusion, which is key to reinforce a stable and prosperous Horn of Africa. The Somali leadership must abandon the dangerous path of adversity but pursue collaboration and partnership that has been crucial to its own success. Ethiopia remains committed to this partnership for the sake of both nations and the entire peace and stability of the region.